Car Record Book

2012 Jeep Compass recalls & problems

The 2012 Jeep Compass has 4 safety recalls and 184 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (36 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints184filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 5reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths2 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bags

NHTSA recall 16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Components: Air bags; Seat belts › Pretensioner; Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 13V233000 · Jun 4, 2013 · 254,396 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Seat belts; Air bags › Side/window

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 13V120000 · Apr 3, 2013 · 20,799 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 12V142000 · Apr 3, 2012 · 1,689 vehicles

Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.4%

2012 Jeep Compass SUV 2WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk18.5%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Compass 2WD

25mpg combined
City / highway23 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Compass 2WD

25mpg combined
City / highway23 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Compass 2WD

24mpg combined
City / highway23 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Compass 4WD

24mpg combined
City / highway22 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Compass 2WD

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Compass 4WD

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Compass 4WD

21mpg combined
City / highway20 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine
3601090,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
3400058,500 mi
Air bags
2820284,500 mi
Power train
2600079,000 mi
Electrical system
Ignition
2402050,000 mi
Unknown or other
2402067,000 mi
Seat belts
2210167,000 mi
Structure
Body; Frame and members
1211044,000 mi
Suspension
1000083,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline
1000044,000 mi
Vehicle speed control
1000075,000 mi
Steering
6000101,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations